Additional Information:The ideal candidate for the program should exhibit
leadership abilities at school and within the community. Selection
criteria is as follows:

Must be a city of Columbus resident; (If you are currently receiving City of Columbus
trash & recycling services you are eligible).

Must be entering the 6 - 8th grade Fall
2019.

Only one child per household is eligible.

Must maintain a 3.0 grade point average
in school (an updated grade card must be submitted each grading period);
students who will enter the 6th grade in the fall may also submit a
report card and a letter from an administrator verifying it equates to a 3.0
GPA.

Parent/Guardian must approve participation by fully
completing all paperwork and agreeing to comply with program guidelines as well
as attending the mandatory orientation with their child.

The selection process also includes a one-on-one
personal interview with the applicant and program coordinator(s).

Submit a letter from a teacher or administrator
acknowledging youth’s leadership abilities.3

Students must submit two written essays responding to
questions on leadership.

The entire year (August – April) which includes the “boot
camp,” equates to a total of 61 hours. The boot camp is MANDATORY
and YOUTH CAN NOT MISS MORE THAN TWO (2) CITY LEADERS ACADEMY SESSIONS
THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE YEAR. If so, the youth will not be able to
graduate from the Academy. Therefore, the requirement for graduation is at
least 55 hours. Please check your calendars before applying. Youth
participation is imperative and parents we rely on you to get them to all
meetings and events.

What is the City Leaders Program? This program was established to develop the city leaders of tomorrow by providing an orientation of the City of Columbus to include Science, Technology, Arts, History, Education, Health & Nutrition, Social Services, Law Enforcement, Safety, Government, Economic Development and Community Service through hands-on learning opportunities and meetings and mentoring by current city leadership. The hope is the selection process will render a very diverse group of forward-thinking children, eager to learn all about their city.

Who is eligible for the City Leaders Program? This leadership opportunity is open to CITY OF COLUMBUS middle school age children, grades 6-8 and ages 10-15. Academy nomination forms will be distributed through the schools, recreation centers, social media and other youth serving agencies beginning in April each year. Applicants will need the recommendation of an administrator or teacher to be considered. In addition to maintaining a 3.0 grade point average, applicants will also be asked to select one of the pillars of leadership and write an essay.

What are the goals of the City Leaders Program? Introduce up to 20 middle school age children (age 10-15) each year to the Discovering Columbus Summer Camp and the school year City Leaders Academy. We should see improvement in their public speaking skills, facilitation skills, teamwork, community awareness and overall leadership attitude by the end of the school year. The greatest goal is to display how great the City of Columbus is and impart a sense of pride so these children remain in the City of Columbus to be the next wave of city leadership. The City Leaders will be divided into groups and work on a leadership project to promote both individual growth as well as foster team building. These projects will be presented at their graduation in May.